Certifynd ABA

The Helm ABA

place Dallas, TX 51-200 employees

star Founders

Rafael Alfonzo

Founder, President & CEO

Experienced entrepreneur with three family members with autism. Previously co-founded a solar power developer and an IT services company, served in the U.S. Marines, and practiced law. Graduate of University of Michigan, MIT Sloan School of Management, and George Washington University Law School (JD, MBA).

groups Executive Team

Rafael Alfonzo

President & CEO

Tamar Kustoff

VP of Operations

Originally from Israel; degree in Speech-Language Pathology with ABA minor from University of Kansas. Became RBT in 2017, joined The Helm in 2018, and advanced to oversee day-to-day operations.

Katie Ouri

Director of Clinical Standards / Clinical Director - Allen

Masters in Adapted Physical Activity from Slippery Rock University; post-masters certificate in ABA from Florida Institute of Technology. BCBA since 2015.

Lacey Barbara

Clinical Director - Irving

BCBA since 2015 with five years serving as a Clinical Director.

Kailey Brown

Clinical Director - Lewisville

Studied Speech-Language Pathology at Texas Woman's University before earning master's in ABA from University of North Texas.

Kaylie Verdun

Clinical Director - Dallas

Started as Behavior Technician in 2015; earned master's from Nicholls State University in 2020. Became Clinical Director in 2023. Emphasizes assent-based practices.

Dr. Lisa Rhee

Diagnostician

Licensed clinical psychologist with UCLA Ph.D. focusing on autism and social development. Trained in DSM-5-TR diagnostic criteria and assessments (ADOS-2, ADI-R, Vineland).